Georgetown begins an important three-game Big East stretch by hosting last-place and injury-riddled Seton Hall on Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C.
Despite losing seven of nine, the Hoyas (14-9, 5-7) still have much to play for as they find themselves in a group of four teams — with Xavier, Villanova and Providence — all within a game of each other, fighting for fifth place.
With a top-four finish in the standings likely out of reach, just one slot remains realistically viable for the fifth and final first-round Big East tournament bye at Madison Square Garden next month.
The clash with Seton Hall (6-17, 1-11) is Georgetown’s first of three straight games against teams with losing records. The Hoyas, who beat the Pirates on the road 61-60 on Dec. 22, are attempting to complete a season sweep for the first time since 2015.
Micah Peavy (14.9 points per game) and Thomas Sorber (14.8) have been carrying much of the offensive load for Georgetown, which has scored more than 70 points just twice in league play. Peavy scored a career-high 27 points twice in the last four games while Sorber is tied for first nationally with Rutgers’ Ace Bailey among freshmen with seven double-doubles.
Georgetown coach Ed Cooley thinks help could be on the way in the form of Jayden Epps (12.3 points), who missed the last two games with an illness after previously missing time with a hamstring injury.
“We’re expecting him to be ready for Saturday,” Cooley said this week. “We’re looking forward to trying to get him back.”
Injuries are something Seton Hall and coach Shaheen Holloway know all about this season.
The Pirates, who have lost eight straight and 13 of 14, were missing three key contributors in Chaunce Jenkins (knee), Scotty Middleton (ankle) and Dylan Addae-Wusu (ankle) during Wednesday’s 84-54 lopsided home loss to Butler.
“Obviously, we don’t have three guys that can help us,” Holloway said after Wednesday’s loss. “It’s hard to win when you’re fully healthy. Imagine not being healthy with three guys who can score the basketball and play a lot of minutes for you.”
Holloway said he didn’t expect to have any of them back by Saturday.
–Field Level Media
